One of those is Hyundai, which has emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing car companies since being helmed by the automotive dream team of Albert Biermann (engineering, formerly BMW) and Peter Schreyer (design, formerly VW Group).

Like it or not, they vow to treat us to 30 new models by 2021, including this — the Kona.

“No, not another b-SUV,” you might cry. But the Kona is bringing something decent to the party.

Unlike its sister company Kia, Hyundai’s prices aren’t yet edging upwards in line with the world’s realisation that they make great cars (give it time).

And in 2018 you’ll be able to buy an all-electric version because, well, we’re all going to be forced to drive around in a hairdryer soon.

Price alone means Hyundai is offering something to consider.

The interior is well thought out, if too reliant on cheap plastics. Depending on your trim level, you’ll get a five, seven or eight-inch colour infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. When it comes to driving experience, the comparisons start to blur a little.

I’m not saying it’s lacking. It’s as attractive a proposition as any of its rivals — it’s just difficult to get very frothy over yet another small soft-roader.

'HE COULD HAVE WIPED US OUT'

How well the Kona sells will come down to whether customers want something which stands out from the crowd in the painfully homogenised b-SUV segment, which now accounts for five per cent of all car sales.

And seeing as SUVs are no longer just driven by tweed-wearing gentlemen farmers, Hyundai can afford to be hopeful.
Party on, I say.